Senior outside hitter Anja Kelly always makes an impact for Neuqua Valley, even when she’s not playing.
The 5-foot-11 Kelly and senior outside hitter Bryanna Jones are the only Wildcats with previous varsity experience. Kelly knew she would be required to provide leadership, which she has.
She demonstrated that in a different way against Wheaton Warrenville South on Monday night. She had four kills but spent most of the second set on the bench and still found a way to rally the Wildcats.
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“She was kind of off tonight,” Neuqua Valley coach Jamie Buhnerkemper said. “But she’s also that kid that can take a deep breath and get back in and light a fire under the team.
“Tonight was one of those nights where another kid got an opportunity and stepped up.”
Buhnerkemper inserted senior Amanda Duncan in Kelly’s place in the second set, and the Wildcats responded to force a third set before losing 25-22, 18-25, 25-21. Kelly understood the move.
“She’s one of our go-to kids who brings high energy,” Buhnerkemper said. “The biggest thing is even though she wasn’t on the court, she’s the first one on the bench cheering. She’s one of those character kids that you love to have in your program.”
That’s been especially important this season. Despite their inexperience, the Wildcats (20-13) have beaten defending state champion Metea Valley twice and still have a shot at a piece of the DuPage Valley Conference championship.
Kelly is willing to do whatever it takes to help the team win, even if it means some time on the pine.
“I didn’t have my best first set, so it was my turn to let Amanda do her thing,” Kelly said. “For most of these girls, it’s their first year on varsity, and that’s a big thing to come in and be able to step up.
“So for me being able to encourage her, that feels great for me. That’s just part of me, being an encouraging teammate on and off the court.”
The first court where Kelly excelled was the basketball court. She played varsity basketball as a freshman but quit after that season to focus on volleyball.
“While I liked playing basketball, I loved volleyball,” Kelly said. “So it felt right to just stick with volleyball, knowing I wanted to play volleyball in college.”
Kelly’s father, Jay, was a three-sport high school athlete who played college basketball at St. Francis. She chose a different path.
“I love volleyball because these groups of girls, both high school and club, become your best friends,” Kelly said. “I love the excitement when you get a big kill or a big point or an ace, and the excitement of being able to come together as a team and celebrate feels amazing.
“I leave the court tonight, even after a loss, knowing that I get to go home with my best friends every day.”
Senior defensive specialist Avery Searls is one of them.
“Anja is my best friend, and I’ve been playing club with her for a while, which has been great,” Searls said. “If somebody needs to step up on the court, it’s going to be Anja.
“She always brings the energy, no matter if we’re losing by a lot or winning by a lot.”
Kelly’s influence is felt off the court too.
“She keeps everyone knowing what we’re supposed to be doing, and she also lets everybody have a say,” Searls said. “She’s a great teammate, and I think everybody definitely loves having her on the team.”
Kelly hasn’t committed to play at a college yet but is forever committed to her teammates.
“This is a great group of girls that have enjoyed working with me and Bri, so it’s been easy,” Kelly said. “They know I’m a friend they can come to.”
Matt Le Cren is a freelance reporter for the Naperville Sun.
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